Live in Calstock

Could it be that such a thing as a Devonshire sound is appearing in English folk music? This first live album from the Devon-based folk duo blends English traditional music, American blues and even reggae influences with a musical virtuosity that is very reminiscent of fellow Devonians Show of Hands. Perhaps this is unsurprising, since Henry and Martin were discovered by Show of Hands’ Steve Knightley.

After two studio outings together, the pair made this recording at an intimate Cornish arts centre after picking up the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award 2014 for Best Duo. Its 13 tracks showcase the best of their first two albums – from the bluesy ‘Death and the Lady’ from their debut to the majestic medley ‘Elegy/Whitsun Dance/Banks of the Nile’ from their last album Mynd. There is also new material, such as ‘Stones’, which reveals Hannah Martin's apparently simple yet arresting lyricism.

The playing is fantastic, from Henry's dobro, harmonica and slide guitar (having been mentored by Indian slide great Debashish Bhattacharya) to Martin's impeccable fiddle playing and clear vocals. What could be simple English folk duets are continually being subverted by wider creative impulses.